Insurrection / Thurston Bros. - Official Affiliate Thread

The Fedora Lounge (TFL) has proven itself over the years to be a tremendous resource for individuals looking for the very best in leather outerwear. Consumers who visit TFL concern themselves with getting the finest quality leather outerwear by diligently researching hide selection, fit, liner materials, hardware, production times, historical accuracy, etc. As the forum has grown in size and activity, we are adding another dimension by becoming a place where members can interact directly with merchants in order to get more specific information and advice. This would be an opportunity for members to get to know more about merchants who are passionate about their products, get answers to product-specific questions, get updates on newly released products, and get estimated production schedules.

With this new facet of the forum in mind, we’d like to introduce Insurrection/Thurston Bros. as our first outerwear affiliate sponsor. They have already helped many TFL members find just the right jacket for their exacting requirements, so this is an opportunity to learn more about the incredible variety of jacket brands and styles offered at Insurrection/Thurston Bros. Their collection of leather outerwear is both impressive and extensive; on any given day over 400 Aero, Vanson, and premium vintage jackets hang on their racks. The shop offers full restoration services, custom work, alterations, and warranty services on Aero, Vanson, and vintage leather jackets. Insurrection/ Thurston Bros. is also the sole North America-based retailer for Aero Leather Clothing, both custom and off-the-rack. They have a monthly production allotment with the Aero factory and this expedites custom orders for North American customers. Also, their large quantity of off-the-rack Aero jackets allows for making an off-the-rack purchase, comparing various styles, perfect custom fitting through the use of a fit jacket, and fit guarantees on all custom Aero orders! In short, Insurrection/ Thurston Bros. is an extraordinary North American resource for Aero, Vanson, and vintage outerwear!

Carrie (Carrie @ Thurston Bros.; Carrie @ Insurrection) and Wade (Insurrection/ThurstonBros) will be regularly posting on The Fedora Lounge. Each will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and they look forward to being supporters and actively involved members of the forum!

Thank you for the great introduction, Nathan! We're definitely happy to be an affiliate sponsor of The Fedora Lounge.

First, we'd like to introduce our newest jacket style--

Available only at Insurrection/Thurston Bros and based on Aero’s 1920s jacket patterns, the Maxwell jacket, both custom and off-the-rack, has the correct slim, neat fit of the 1920s period, just before the widespread use of zippers in leather outerwear.

We’ve taken our inspiration from the utilitarian clothing worn by the wage laborers of the 1920s, men who knew the value of a dollar, and also of a jacket that would hold up over the long-term against the elements and the exigencies of life.

The typical high-button fastening front of the 1920s is combined with a half belted back, which was a fairly new design in the 1920s. The half belted back gained rapid popularity with the US public in the 1920s due to the flattering profile and the practicality of side-fastening straps, which could be drawn in to retain warmth in all conditions.

The Maxwell replicates the unique character of utility jackets from the 1920s, when one had to combine practicality with substantial weatherproofing.

The Maxwell jacket is available in FQHH, Jerky Horsehide, Steerhide, and Goatskin. Liner options include Lochcarron Tartans, Harris Tweeds, Alpaca Wools, Cotton Tartans, and Cotton Drills, all fitted with cotton drill sleeve lining for ease of wear while the pockets are lined in moleskin for warmth and durability. The Maxwell comes standard with leather-lined cuffs and is available with or without a yoke.

We submit our custom Aero orders today for April production. Our April production jackets, many of which are orders from TFL members, range from J106s to Hercules to Long Half Belts, and we're very excited to see these jackets!

We currently have a number of custom slots for May production with the Aero factory! Please call (206) 550-3545 or email info@thurston-bros.com to reserve your May production slot.

*Insurrection/Thurston Bros. Aero production slots are reserved for North American customers.

If you could talk with Aero about another side strap solution, I think many Loungers and potential customers would be grateful. Nobody seems to like the current "fold-over" arrangement, myself included.

If you could talk with Aero about another side strap solution, I think many Loungers and potential customers would be grateful. Nobody seems to like the current "fold-over" arrangement, myself included.

The solution that we employ when these side buckles won't keep the desired setting is pretty simple: tack it in place using heavy thread. I do this with a regular needle (NOT diamond point/leather needle), heavy button thread, and needle-nose pliers. I use the original holes on the leather straps so that no new holes are added and an adjustment can be made in the future... The buckle style that Aero uses currently is historically accurate and usually works well, but that can depend on the finish and thickness of the leather.

I only wish you guys were closer. Ken asked me if it was convenient for me to pick up my replacement jacket at Insurrection. I didn't have the heart to tell him that it was a longer trip than Galashiels to Berlin by about 200 miles. When I told him it was at least one very large state and a half away, he was surprised. He said his U.S. map is very small. Gave me a little chuckle. New jacket is killer, really makes waiting on my Teamster more difficult. I like the back especially, less busy than most action backs. Frank

The top jacket is cordovan heavy FQHH and has the the no-yoke option. One thing we like about this jacket is that it is a classic 1920s design with buttons and a very trim fit that's a little bit dressier than the 1930s Half Belt style.

Another exciting development that we have finished with Aero is the J107 jacket, which is a faithful replica of the Buco J-71 (see photo below). I'll try and get photos of the J107 up either tonight or tomorrow. This jacket is a stunner, complete with mixed hardware, just like the originals!